Biology

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Back to Table of Contents for On Course Across the Curriculum

1. Strategy: Class Contract & 32-Day Commitment
Application:
Bio 102

Educator: Diana Willeman, Faculty, Biology, Jefferson College of Health Science, VA

Implementation: I had my BIO 102 course (5 week course that meets M-F) do both a class contract and also a 32-Day Commitment to study biology every day (each students chose anywhere between 5-30 minutes). On my 1st exam, no one scored less than a "B" and the class average was 98...WOW!!! This has never happened in the 12+ years that I have taught this course and I do NOT give easy exams. When I commented on the exceptional grades for this exam, I asked the students what their "secret of success" was. They responded by saying that they felt committed to study biology every day. I was a believer before, but now I REALLY believe in the power of using On Course concepts in the classroom. (You know scientists...we have to see the facts to back up things.)

2. Strategy: The Jigsaw
Application:
Biology & Anatomy Classes

Educator: Marc Morancy, Faculty, Biology, Bay College, MI

Implementation: During lab time, have students form groups of four. These groups work together in lab and also become home groups for lecture material. Each week, assign four sub-topics from the current lecture topic. For homework, assign students to make a simple outline for the chosen sub-topic. The following week in lab, the individuals with the same sub-topic meet for 10 minutes to exchange ideas/thoughts within expert groups. Then the home groups come together, and each individual has five minutes to discuss/teach the most important concepts within the sub-topic.  

 

3. Strategy: Jigsaw
Application: Human Biology – Biology 104 (Urine Formation)
Educator: Laurie Johnson, Faculty, Biology, Bay College, MI
Implementation: Use the Jigsaw to help students gain a deeper understanding of the process of urine formation. Have students in home groups of three volunteer to become their groups expert on one of the following: Glomerular filtration, Tubular reabsorption, and Tubular secretion. Give students until the next class period to research their topics. In the next class, have students meet in expert groups and develop an outline of the main points of their topic to take back to their home groups. In home groups, "experts" make their presentations and the whole group "reassembles" the steps of the urine formation process into a whole.